Introduction
On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022. The Act will require critical infrastructure organizations (defined below) to report cyber attacks to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) within 72 hours. The Act also creates an obligation to report ransomware payments within 24 hours.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 2021 Internet Crime Report, released on March 23, 2022, cyber incidents rose 7% from 2020, with potential losses topping $6.9 billion. Many of the most threatened organizations fall into the critical infrastructure sector, and in 2021 alone, cyber incidents caused oil and food shortages, as well as supply chain threats. With cyber incidents reaching all-time highs in 2021, the legislation purports to protect U.S. critical infrastructure entities and investigate cyber crimes moving forward. The Act suggests that reporting obligations are being implemented to ensure that the government can support in the response, mitigation, and protection of both private and public companies that are covered under the Act. Within 24 months, CISA’s director is required to issue a proposed rule, and must issue a final rule 18 months after making the proposal. The legislation also authorizes the Director of CISA to issue future regulations to amend or revise that rule.
Continue Reading President Biden Signs Bill Mandating Cyber Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Entities